K2 [blackpoint] on Silverlight - my first impression!

On Friday October 10th, I participated in a SourceCode’s webcast regarding the Silverlight version of their new product K2 [blackpoint]. Having already tested Windows client of Blackpoint, it was interesting to see how Silverlight edition compliments K2 framework… but first things first:
What we all know about K2 [blackpoint] is that it is a new addition to K2 product line which we can use to build a dynamic process- driven applications, using SharePoint and its integrated services. K2 [blackpoint] offers a new opportunity for developers to deliver a powerful , simplified and easier to maintain business process without writing a code. What is new here is that K2 [blackpoint] is a new advanced product not only for the developers but also for business users allowing them to manage the processes at any time when their business requires it. Most important, K2 [blackpoint] already has a new design platform incorporating all main features required to plan business processes quickly and efficiently.
K2 [blackpoint] structure is built on Microsoft Silverlight which provides rich functionality to browsers. While Silverlight is still a relatively new product, K2 [blackpoint] provides many sophisticated features, which contribute for the successful and friendly usage of the Designer.
The new K2 [blackpoint ] designer is aimed at non technical personnel. It consists of a standalone application so you do not have to own Visual Studio or Visio. The web version provides an easy and simple development platform for enterprises without hassle of installing software on each single workstation. You can build an entire application just by using the visual designer. You do not need to write a single line of code.
Writing complex and intuitive applications on K2 [blackpoint] with Silverlight is as easy as it can be. You no longer need to develop and use complex JavaScript libraries. You can use a simple XML driven language and a powerful visual editor to accomplish the same effect. Another clear benefit is that K2 [blackpoint] uses XAML (Extensible Application Markup Language). XAML is a declarative XML-based language used to define data binding, events and UI elements in WPF and Silverlight applications, and to define workflows in Windows Workflow Foundation.
If we continue to walk through the new K2 product then I would like to point out that now we can set the properties of the workflow faster than before, using many user-friendly features such as: Outcome Templates for adjusting the process activities, numerous Wizards that will help you optimize your company's workflow and building many business entities.

While K2 [Blackpearl] Designer is a tool for expert developers with its integration with Visual Studio and extendable workflow foundation technology, K2 [blackpoint] is a scaled down and simplified version which can be used anywhere in the world directly from your web browser. Its intuitive design delivers the power of SharePoint and workflow to the common user.
It will be fair to say that K2 Blackpoint Designer on SIlverlight as any other web application cannot compete in performance with a standalone native applications. Luckily user can choose between the two - a standalone K2 [blackpoint] designer or Silverlight version of it.
K2 [blackpoint] has the capacity to design some business solutions efficiently from within the Microsoft SharePoint environment. K2 [blackpoint]’s “native” integration with SharePoint and Outlook will help you optimize information flow in your company. You may configure all SharePoint web parts according to your needs. This includes processes that will manage lists and libraries, list items and documents or content types.

As we continue reviewing K2 [blackpoint] I will say that it delivers the opportunity to work in the same environment as in K2 [blackpearl], so if you are familiar with the K2 [blackpearl] tools and services you will need minimal training effort to transition. In the same time K2 [blackpoint] training would be a good investment if you want to enable your business users to take charge of process development and maintenance.
Let’s look at a particular project which uses InfoPath forms. If you want your workflow to gather information from people who will submit the forms then you need to start an initial project in K2 Studio which will integrate InfoPath template. Then it could be used from the K2 Process Portal. The support of InfoPath forms makes the process more efficient and user friendly for audiences who will develop the whole process.
Before we test how our process works we have to check the security settings. We have to be sure that the appropriate permissions are set for the users who will operate with the processes. After specifying the required users’ role in the SharePoint Administration section we can start testing to be assured that our processes works according to our needs. This will include launching our integrated InfoPath form, filling it out and then submitting it. Then depending on your workflow settings and implemented activities it could be reviewed, approved or declined.
If you need to monitor process instances you can take a look at Process Instances panel. This panel is a new feature of the K2 designer, which makes administration of processes much more mature and efficient.

I would like to emphasize that K2 [blackpoint] supports Smart Object Service Integration to connect to your Line of Business systems. While you cannot create new SmartObjects in K2 [blackpoint], you can reuse already pre-created SmartObjects or you can procure their development by K2 partners.
K2 [blackpoint] focuses on building complete process using Sharepoint and InfoPath. While it is a great advantage for some clients, it is disadvantage for others. There is still a large pool of companies who like K2 workflow framework but do not want to invest in Sharepoint/InfoPath infrastructure. In our next article, I will highlight what iTechnology offers for non-Sharepoint clients.

Also if you would like to see K2 [blackpoint] demo, or interested in K2 Blackpoint/Blackpearl training, please feel free to contact us at info@myitechnology.com Read more on this article...

K2 [blackpoint] Installation Wrong Type of Database

By Hristo Yankov
As of today, you can install K2 [blackpoint] only on a clean (K2-free) environment. So if you are trying to install K2 [blackpoint] on an environment previously or currently used by K2 [blackpearl], you have no choice but uninstall K2 [blackpearl].

What you should be aware of, however, is the fact that the K2 [blackpearl] uninstaller does not remove the K2 databases (HostServer, Categories, Dependencies, etc) from the SQL server! If you try to install the K2 [blackpoint] databases on the same SQL server and haven't deleted the K2 [blackpearl] databases manually, you will end up with the following errors during the K2 [blackpoint] installation:




So long story made short, make sure the K2 [blackpoint] database installation does not overlap with existing K2 [blackpearl] databases, as they are not being removed by uninstaller.
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K2 Workspace 404 Not Found Error

By Hristo Yankov

In the process of a K2 installation, no matter distributed or on a single server, you have to setup the K2 Workspace. It is mostly well covered by the K2 Getting Started (Installation) documentation.

However, even if you follow strictly the instructions, you might get a 404 (Not Found) error when trying to access your Workspace. The following is a step by step guide on how to troubleshoot this error.


So you open your K2 Workspace and you are greeted by a 404 (Not Found) error. First thing you need to do is enable the logging of your K2 workspace web site. You can do that by running IIS Manager, navigating to Web sites, locating your K2 website, right clicking on it, selecting Properties from the context menu. It will open the properties of your web site. Navigate to the Web Site tab. There is a checkbox called 'Enable Logging'. Check it, and just in case do 'iisreset'. Make a note of where the log is stored. It is usually in a C:\WINDOWS\system32\LogFiles\ folder.

Open your K2 Workspace site again, so the error is logged. Then navigate to the log folder and open the log file. You should see entries similar to:
YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS W3SVCXXXX XX.XX.XX.XX GET /Workspace/default.aspx - 80 Domain\User XX.XX.XX.X long-client-description-entry-here 404 2 1260

The most important part of this error log is the error code. It is "404 2 1260". 404, not found, could be caused by a couple of reasons. It is the "2" and "1260" part of this entry that specify what exactly it is. If you refer to this URL you will see that '2' stands for "Web service extension lockdown policy prevents this request." Basically, you have a policy, which is preventing the server from hosting the file.

Now, how to fix that? Go back to the IIS Manager and right click on the "Web Service Extensions" folder. From the context menu select "Allow all Web service extensions for specific application...".


Then from the pop up window select ASP.NET v2.0 and click ok. iisreset and you should be fine.


If your error is not 404 x 2, but something else, the URL above should give you a hint on the root cause.

In the case of 404 x 2, this will fix your problem, but you might want to experiment with the Web Service Extensions policies, in order to achieve higher security level.
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